Why is it that when a negative or inaccurate story appears about a star, they are quick to jettison their publicist? Granted, the publicist’s job is to go big on the positive and favorable stories, and fight to keep these bad stories out of the media, yet the reality is, it’s sometimes hard to prevent. Especially when it comes to tabloids.
This week, pop star Jessica Simpson decided to take over her own public relations duties after an article appeared in People magazine about her relationship with John Mayer. There was a media fallout that ensued, and Miss Simpson was none too happy.
Of course she made her daddy do the dirty work. Joe Simpson, her father, fired her former publicist Rob Shuter. Now I know nothing about Mr. Shuter, but I do know that when you’re dealing with a pop star that the public just yearns to know more about, the tabloid stories are going to happen.
The best publicists in the world will have a hard time preventing certain stories. Let’s look at this a little closer: A pop star dates another pop star. That’s just crying to be written about. And, speculation and sketchy details are bound to prevail. Oh, you’re not in love with Mr. Mayer? Whoops. But, please, what else did you expect?
I admire that Miss Simpson took the bull by the horns and she called all the tabloid editors herself “to repair her damaged relationship with the press.” That’s certainly Media Relations 101 stuff, for sure. She’s trying to “move past all her bitter feelings towards them.”
I have news for you, Miss Simpson. Get a thick skin. Because in your position, this type of stuff will happen again no matter what you do with these editors.
In referring to the fact that she knows who is leaking the information to the tabloids, my favorite quote from her is: "I know who they are, and none are my friends. Trust me, if inside sources were my friends, the magazines would have a lot juicier info!"
With that type of quote, Miss Simpson, you now just put a big red target on your back. I wonder how long it will be before she hires her next publicist. Not long, is my guess….
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